About

What Is This Book About?

Crows are peppered through world mythology and folklore- sometimes serving as a sign of ill luck, other times a trickster. From American crows to hooded and carrion crows, pied crows to jungle crows- they come in as many shapes and in as many environments as we can dream up.

Dreaming about crows, weaving stories around them, is the focus of this anthology. We have gathered talented writers to tell cunning tales of crows covering all aspects of fiction- fantasy to historical, with a bit of horror here and there.

I grew up on stories about crows. Stories of my mother as a child shouting back at them. Stories of their being an omen of one thing or another. I have pulled over to watch crows fly in to roost in the winter and laughed somewhat hysterically at fledgling crows during the summer. I am lucky to be very good friends with someone who’s head is full of crows, which has only enabled my infatuation. I am someone who loves crows, so of course I wanted to see if I could get enough people interested in writing about them together for a book. We have a group of writers with backgrounds that run from fantasy to history to the sciences- each excited to contribute a story to the anthology. Each excited to tell a story about crows. -April

Who Is This Book For?

Everyone! Anyone who has ever enjoyed fantasy, horror and all the beautiful and subtle things that fall into the cracks between. Bear in mind some language/themes may be strong for young audiences.

So Why a Kickstarter Campaign, And Why Should I Care?

Anthologies are spectacular ways to get to know authors you would not run into otherwise. Kickstarter has made it possible for writers to get together with an idea and put together magnificent books. We have a group of skilled writers, and an amazing theme. Mobbing Midnight brings together writers from all corners of speculative fiction, a bit of the historical, and a brace of folks who come from the sciences- all excited to write stories about crows. There will be something for everyone in this anthology. All we need is the backing to make it happen.

Many authors saw their first paid-publication with the Kickstarter for Fight Like a Girl: A Short Story Anthology. Because of our backers’ generosity during the Fight Like a Girl project, we were successfully able to produce a fantastic book which received positive reviews. We were able to assist twenty-two authors in getting paid for their craft, and we want to continue supporting these and other creative careers. As such, we want to again be able to pay our writers a professional rate for their work- $0.06/word, the rate defined by the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America as payment for professional work.

Reviews for Fight Like a Girl: A Short Story Anthology

“A wonderful anthology. It's rare for me to find a short story anthology where I like almost all of the stories - I think I only skipped/speed through two pieces here. A very good mix of stories. My favorite was probably the last story: "The Way of Sisters" by April Steenburgh, but there were quite a few engaging ones whose authors I will certainly be looking up. Overall a really impressive book.” -Kelly on goodreads.com

“I really enjoyed the stories. It is great to see an fantasy anthology by new female writers. I especially liked Leviathan's Bride.” -Sara Crofford on amazon.com

“Great stories! I'm not even much of a fan of fantasy, but I really enjoyed this collection. I hope the authors keep writing.” -Kate Gowins on amazon.com

Reviews for What Follows

"...It is hard to give each author here their own little review without spoiling the reading experience. Each author has chosen their own Immortal race to explore the concept of the end times and each delivers a fascinating exploration of that world. The stories here range from Egyptian gods to the Selkies of Scots/Irish folklore to various forms of faerie to Muses and demons (among others). You might think that the End Of All Things would be easier for an Immortal. These authors will show you otherwise.

What I like most about this collection is the way it takes advantage of the broad discretion they are given in the concept. There are no two stories alike here, no tired retread of concepts used so many times before. I won't guarantee that you will like all the stories. But you will be challenged and/or charmed and/or intrigued by every one..." - Jay Phillippi on Goodreads

Who are We?

April is a librarian with experience in book sales, publishing, editing, and all aspects of eBook production. She is also a published author. Invited authors are a fantastic mix of published authors and those who are working towards their first publication.

Stretch Goals

At $9,000, author Nina Waters will contribute an additional short story for backers.

at $10,000, author K. Orion Fray will contribute an additional short story for backers.

at $11,000, author Sarah Lyn Eaton will contribute an additional short story for backers

at $12,000, author Lyn Thorne-Alder will contribute an additional short story for backers

If funding reaches $13,500, we will be able to do a print run and provide copies to anyone backing at the 'Four For Death'/$35 level and above.

Risks and challenges

The biggest risk when working with writers is whether or not they can all pull together for a deadline. The challenge here will be keeping everyone on track for getting their pieces in on time for edits and then for the final submission.

Most of these authors we have worked with before, and we suffered negligible kinks along the way. There is always the possibility of life throwing us a curve ball, but we are confident we can adapt and keep the project rolling. We have enough writers interested, and then some, to fill the book- so if someone drops out for any reason we can still make the anthology happen.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $12 or more
About $12

One For Sorrow

A digital copy of Mobbing Midnight in DRM-free epub and mobi formats as well as a mention in the acknowledgements of the anthology and a bookmark of "Raven's Blessing" by cover artist Jennifer Campbell Smith

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $20 or more
About $20

Two for Mirth

A digital copy of Mobbing Midnight as well as a copy of What Follows in DRM-free epub and mobi formats, a mention in the acknowledgements of Mobbing Midnight and a bookmark of "Raven's Blessing" by cover artist Jennifer Campbell Smith

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $25 or more
About $25

Three for A Wedding

A digital copy of Mobbing Midnight as well as copies of What Follows and Fight Like a Girl in DRM-free epub and mobi formats, a mention in the acknowledgements of Mobbing Midnight and a bookmark of "Raven's Blessing" by cover artist Jennifer Campbell Smith

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $35 or more
About $35

Four for Death

A print copy of What Follows as well as a DRM-free digital copy of Mobbing Midnight in epub and mobi formats, a mention in the acknowledgements of Mobbing Midnight, and a bookmark of "Raven's Blessing" by cover artist Jennifer Campbell Smith

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

Five for Silver

Print copy of What Follows as well as DRM-free digital copies in epub and mobi formats of Mobbing Midnight, Fight Like a Girl and What Follows, a mention in the acknowledgements of Mobbing Midnight, and a bookmark of "Raven's Blessing" by cover artist Jennifer Campbell Smith

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

Six for Gold

Your name, or that of a loved one/bitter enemy, to be used in a story, as well as a DRM-free digital copy of Mobbing Midnight in epub and mobi formats, a mention in the acknowledgements of Mobbing Midnight, and a bookmark of "Raven's Blessing" by cover artist Jennifer Campbell Smith

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

Seven for a Secret

Author Nina Waters, who makes magic with her other hat on as Claire's Cakery and Bake Shop, will bake you a dozen chocolate chip cookies.

Also receive a physical copy of What Follows and a DRM-free digital copy of Mobbing Midnight in epub and mobi formats, a mention in the acknowledgements of Mobbing Midnight, and a bookmark of "Raven's Blessing" by cover artist Jennifer Campbell Smith

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $150 or more
About $150

Not to be Told

One novella-length content and copy edit from editor April Steenburgh OR formatting of one short story/novella/manuscript/collection into eBook formats. Also a DRM-free digital copy of Mobbing Midnight in epub and mobi formats and a mention in the acknowledgements of Mobbing Midnight